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Central Florida diocese elects Gregory Brewer as bishop

By Joe Thoma

Posted Nov 19, 2011

[Diocese of Central Florida] The Rev. Gregory O. Brewer, 60, rector of the Parish of Calvary-St. George’s in New York was elected on Nov. 19 as the fourth bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida, pending the required consents from a majority of bishops with jurisdiction and standing committees of the Episcopal Church.

Brewer was elected on the fourth ballot out of a field of seven nominees. He received 141 votes of 241 cast in the lay order and 110 of 192 cast in the clergy order. An election on that ballot required 125 in the lay order and 95 in the clergy order.

The election was held during the diocese’s special convention at Trinity Preparatory School in Winter Park. Pending a successful consent process, Brewer will succeed the Rt. Rev. John W. Howe, who is retiring.

Under the canons (III.11.4) of the Episcopal Church, a majority of bishops exercising jurisdiction and diocesan standing committees must consent to the bishop-elect’s ordination as bishop within 120 days of receiving notice of the election.

Brewer was not in Winter Park for the Central Florida election because his diocese, the Episcopal Diocese of New York, also was electing its next bishop Nov. 19.

“I’m just very excited to return to Central Florida and will pray for God’s blessings on our work together there,” he said by phone after the election.

Brewer is married to the former Laura Lee Williams of Orlando; they have five children.

The consecration is due to take place March 24, 2012, at First Baptist Church of Orlando.

The other nominees were:

the Very Rev. Anthony P. Clark, 50, dean, Cathedral Church of St. Luke, Orlando, Florida, Diocese of Central Florida;